me about your combat experiences.”
“Whoa. Where did that come from?”
“I’m getting the idea that there’s more to your decision to stay single than you’ve admitted, that’s all. Would you like to talk about it?”
A wall immediately rose around Linc’s emotions. He knew he could refuse to discuss his past, and seriously considered doing so, yet there was something about Kyle Roark’s manner and voice that urged him to open up. If the captain had pressed him, he was positive he could have held out. Since Roark merely waited and seemed relaxed about it, he decided to reveal a little.
“I lost part of my unit in Afghanistan.”
A nod. “Understood.”
“We were acting on bad intel and walked into an ambush. I barely got out alive. Some of the guys didn’t.”
“Not your fault, was it?”
“Not directly. We’d been befriended by the most beautiful dark-eyed woman I’d ever seen. Even with her hair covered, she was a stunner.” Swallowing hard, he struggled to go on. “I wasn’t the only one who fell for her lies. She was easy to believe.”
“Again, that’s not your fault. I’m sure she was well trained in fooling the enemy.”
“Well, she was good at it. We followed her advice and walked right into a trap.”
“You can’t classify all women as liars because one tricked you. That’s a lousy reason to reject romance.”
“It’s not just her,” Linc countered. “It’s a lot of things. My dad was the best liar I’ve ever known. He had everybody convinced he was some kind of hero when he was anything but.”
“Sociopathic, maybe?”
“Maybe.” Getting to his feet, Linc began to pace. “Look, I appreciate your concern, Doc, really I do, but all I want to do is be the best at my job and handle the best dog. Star and my badge are all I need. Deeper involvement with a subject I’m assigned to watch would be idiotic.”
“So, how about somebody else?”
“Not interested.”
Chuckling, the veterinarian rose and followed Linc to the office door. All he said was “Uh-huh. That’s what I thought.”
Wearing her spotless dress uniform instead of her camo ABU, Zoe squared her shoulders, briefcase in hand, smoothed her blue skirt below the white blouse and strode from the parking lot to her classroom, expecting it to already be at least half-filled with students. Instead, it was empty.
Confusion momentarily halted her in her tracks. Where was everybody? Surely, she hadn’t made a mistake about her duty schedule. That was impossible.
A tall, distinguished lieutenant general in uniform, his chest heavy with medals, appeared behind her at the door and cleared his throat. Zoe turned and snapped to attention with a brisk salute. “General Hall.”
“As you were, Sergeant Sullivan. I came by to tell you we won’t be needing you here today, or until whatever problems you have with your stalker are resolved.”
“But, sir—”
“No buts. I sent you a memo after the final decision was made, but I thought it only fair to deliver this news in person, as well. You’re officially relieved of duty until further notice.”
Zoe was stunned. She hadn’t done one thing to deserve being sidelined. Not one thing. Except be an innocent victim. Didn’t the brass realize that?
There was nothing to do but submit, like it or not. “Yes, sir. What’s my alternate assignment?”
“You have none. Not for the present. You’re free to go wherever you wish on base. Just don’t leave.”
Realizing that she was gaping at the officer, she snapped her jaw closed. Clearly, there was going to be no chance to present an argument. She saluted again despite her disappointment. “Yes, General Hall.”
“That’s all. You’re excused,” he said before turning on his heel and leaving.
Zoe stood there, still and mute, while her temper threatened to come to a boil. The brass were blaming her, too, same as the enlisted members did. Everybody and his brother thought she was breaking rules and running amok when all she was trying to do was live a peaceful life and teach to the best of her ability. Only now they weren’t going to allow her to do that either, were they?
She internally shook herself, refusing to be a victim of crime or of her superiors’ decisions. What steps she would take next were unknown. The only thing she was sure of was that she wasn’t going to sit on her hands and stew when she could be taking action. Any action. If she had to poke around in the lives of those she suspected might be holding a grudge and reveal who her nemesis was without help or sanction, then so be it. As long as Colson continued to accompany her, she figured she’d be safe enough leaving familiar surroundings.
Zoe didn’t know where she’d have to look or who her snooping might upset, nor did she care. She was already persona non grata on base. A few more ruffled feathers wouldn’t hurt a bit.
Heels clicking on the hard floor, briefcase swinging at her side, she waited until she was out in the warm sunshine before making a call on her cell phone.
Linc Colson answered almost immediately.
“This is Sergeant Sullivan,” Zoe said. “Sorry to bother you. How is Star? Freddy’s worried.” She paused, then finished with the full truth, “So am I.”
“I’m still at the vet hospital waiting to hear,” Linc said. “Captain Roark thinks she may have cracked ribs, but otherwise she’s looking pretty good.”
“When will you know for sure?”
“Soon. Why? Has there been more trouble?”
“Yes, in a manner of speaking. I’ve just been relieved of duty. No more teaching or anything else until we figure out who’s been making my life miserable.”
“You’re not teaching any classes today?”
Zoe could tell by his tone that he was worried and she understood why. She wasn’t exactly fond of the decision to sideline her either. “Not today or anytime in the foreseeable future according to Lieutenant General Hall. It’s the pits.”
“Where are you?”
“I just left my empty classroom. Why?”
“Because you need protection, especially if you’re going to be wandering around the base. I’ll call my headquarters and arrange an escort until I get through here.”
“I don’t need a guardian to just go home.” Hesitating, she said, “Tell you what. Why don’t I come to you? That way I’ll
